New Patio - Pour over existing or demo?

If so, what prep work should be done to the existing concrete and how do we ensure the new concrete doesn't crack around the existing? My gut is telling me the new will settle more and cause cracking around the border of the old.

wouldn't say ' never ' but overlaying the old slab after installing the new conc would probably be a better solution,,, the o'lay's only 1/8" thick so that shouldn't be a problem.

still important to know WHY the old slab's failing & how that's evidenced,,,

not that joe needs any defense as this topic's been address'd many times previously,,, IF i'd gotten to this thread yesterday AND been in the same mood as then, my reply would probably have been deleted by a more forgiving moderator as it was yesterday,,, many times threads are begun to validate the op's incorrect method/materials/etc,,, some tire of that sooner than others & more easily

as mike mentions, there will be a separation line showing between the old AND new conc,,, pay attn to design, interpretation, AND a good jnt pattern,,, these are critical to not hearing about failings from your bride

think joed's right,,, unless reflective cracking is properly address'd, the old crks can make a mess of the new conc,,, while that's his experience, ours is different,,, consider a bonded OR unbonded o'lay - also hybrid-polymer-modified cementitious thin o'lay

IF hgwys/parking lots can be successfully ' whitetopped ', i see no reason your project would be unsuccessful IF you're knowledgeable about the work,,, showing us here asking ?'s suggests differently

I couldn't find any issues with the old slab. The existing footers from the old wood deck seem fine and so do the stairs. One of the stairs was crudely cemented to the existing patio so that will probably need to go.

We were told that the existing concrete patio is more than likely pinned to the foundation and that the same should be done with the new regardless of pour over or demo.

We are trying to determine whether we should pour over some, all or none of the existing concrete patio, stairs and old concrete footings.

joed - appreciate the answer

oh'mike - sounds like good info to me

itsreallyconc - Your font is difficult to read.

joecaption - I was ribbing, not kicking. But I have a feeling you realized that.

I agree, it shouldn't be connected and we will use an expansion joint. We will also remove all existing concrete and make sure the ground is prepared properly and the final slab has the appropriate grade. Now we need to consider stamping, texture, color, etc., or if we want it to be nice and simple concrete.

Now I have a good enough grasp to make a decision on the best company to hire.

Appreciate all the feedback.

itsreallyconc - I don't understand your purpose of using a font that is difficult to read and makes the page messy. That doesn't mean I didn't read what you had written.